Bonsai Tree Meaning

Unlike many complex words, the meaning of a “Bonsai” tree is actually very simple in English which indicates “Trees in the Container”. This word is translated from Chinese and it has a long history for Chinese to cultivate small plants in pots from ancient days. The original Chinese word for bonsai is “penjing” and the difference between the bonsai and the normal trees in nature is the artistic shapes specially made for decoration for indoor purposes. Not all small trees in pot are considered as a good bonsai unless it is carefully pruned by professionals. So the key thing about the bonsai is their aesthetic value instead of their size and nature.

Regarding the origin of the bonsai trees, it is generally believed that they are originally cultivated from ancient temples by monks. These plants are pruned and trimmed for the representation of Buddhism spirits. Currently more people plant these trees in their home as a hobby. Today the meaning of this plant becomes a thing related with beauty and peace rather than a religion term. Unlike old days, they are not limited to rich people as well. The spirit of bonsai has been expanded into arts and hobbies.

Another meaning of cultivate bonsai trees at home is the enhancement of your own spiritual value. The process of pruning, trimming and taking care of a bonsai tree will bring you some new understandings about the tree and make you connected to it spiritually. You need to balance each part of the tree to fulfil a desired result. This process can also be considered as the balance between what you want and what the tree can offer you. The patience you built throughout the whole process may enable you to discover some new things about yourself instead of the bonsai tree itself.

No matter what the bonsai trees look like such as dragons, birds and so on, the key factor is to balance every piece into harmony. This is the central meaning of pruning a good bonsai tree. For a broader meaning, it also represents the balance between people, nature and spirit.